Tag Archives: scented candles

The other morning I left my house and was nearly assaulted by a dragonfly. While that may seem dramatic, the reality is that something is always flying around the hallways of my building because the super leaves the windows open. Of course we need ventilation but this is one of the reasons why many of you don’t open your windows during the summer months. Then when we notice the air is getting stale, we make the mistake of cracking the window and next thing you know, we’ve got mosquito bites. Well, the next time the air in your home needs freshening up, reach for one of these gems. Each has of given new life to mine.

Juniper Ridge Big Sur
Many of us who live in cities often want to bottle up fresh air when we get the chance to free ourselves from the smog. Fresh air in a bottle is how I’d describe Juniper Ridge’s Big Sur as it’s aromatic opening is a thing of beauty. Like all of their products, the scent is sourced from real plants and from Sur I get sweet mossy notes. With its jolt of energy, it immediately transforms stale air and gives it new life. $65

Nest Fragrances Sicilian Tangerine
Like a fresh juicy tangerine on a hot summer day that quenches your thirst, Nest Fragrances’ Sicilian Tangerine is bursting with vibrant flavor. The scent is sweet with a bit of tang but what I really like is that it isn’t overpowering. It beautifully perfumes the air enough to give it a new life and along the way, lifts your spirits too. $38

Joya x Pendleton Cedar + Smoke Candle
If citrus isn’t your cup of tea and leather and cedar is more up your alley, you’ll dig Joya’s latest collaboration with Pendleton. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Pendleton’s founder, Thomas Kay, the brand partnered with Joya to launch a collection of candles. I’ve been burning Cedar & Smoke, which is gently masculine. Its notes read as follows: musk, saddle leather, damask rose, redwood chips and cedar leaf. I wonder how much rose they used because some of these notes read “pack me away until winter.” But together, they’re superbly balanced. $58

While at the recent Elements Showcase, I happened to stop by the booth of Anne McClain’s MCMC Fragrances and I’m so glad I did. The brand recently launched a collection of scented candles and they are excellent. As we chatted about life, her aspirations for the collection, etc., I couldn’t put them down. One after the other I picked up the candles and inhaled awesomeness.

The one my nose gravitated to most was Hunter. A replication of a scent in the collection with the same name, Hunter is comfort. It’s sweet and smoky and will leave you thinking a campfire is somewhere nearby. I wondered how the scent would diffuse as sometimes it’s just not the same. Hunter didn’t disappoint. The scent is just right; it nicely perfumes a room without being overbearing.

If history tells us anything, winter isn’t done with us just yet. As you agonize over the beginning of spring, Hunter’s notes of tobacco absolute, organic Bourbon vanilla and balsam fir will distract you long enough keep you at ease.

As we batten down the hatches awaiting the arrival of hurricane Irene, I’m marveling at the cynics. There are a lot of people that believe the media attention is just hype. I remember sitting with my mouth open when I saw the pictures of Katrina. That said, I’d rather NYC be over prepared. You can never be fully prepared for mother nature but better to err on the side of caution. Continue reading →

In the summertime, to beat the heat, our windows are closed tight and air conditioners are on full blast. While that will keep you cool and the bugs out, the air inside your apartment or house can become stuffy. Continue reading →

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I am a huge Seinfeld fan. There are only a few episodes I haven’t seen. And no matter how many times I watch it, I laugh at the same jokes every time. A recurring theme was the use of Serenity Now during stressful moments. For some reason that popped into my head as I was reading tweets complaining about the repeated snowstorms battering the Northeast. One woman even said, “I wish Mother Nature would get her act together.” I laughed. Continue reading →

If there is one thing I love about the holidays, it’s the associated smells. Cinnamon, pumpkin, fresh pine, burnt woods; they’re all so comforting. I also love all the get togethers. I know I’ll be entertaining this year as well as attending a few gathers. With that, I wanted to get my home scents in order.

For the last few weeks, I’ve been testing the Healthy Candle by Lavanila Laboratories. What intrigued me about this product was the supporting material from the candle’s PR company that claimed, ” This all-natural and 100% healthy three-wick candle is non-polluting, soot-free and eco-friendly.” It made me think about some of the other candles I own. I recently bought a great candle, an extremely fragrant one at that. However, upon closer inspection, it certainly was producing soot.

Lavanila burns 90% cleaner and 50% longer than traditional paraffin candles. Completely free of paraffin, formaldehyde, petrochemical, phthalates and other harsh chemicals, the soothing blend of Madagascar vanilla, soft freesia and rich heliotrope is quite calming. The scent isn’t overpowering either. It’s just the right amount to compliment a casual gathering or a relaxing evening.